Detroit TigersvsTampa Bay Rays
DET 10/TB 9
Things to say
Detroit Tigers beat the Tampa Bay Rays 10-9 at Tropicana Field.
01
opener
Tigers-Rays went down to the wire last night, 10-9 Detroit. Back and forth all game, Trop was rocking. Bullpens on both sides got cooked.
02
key player
Detroit's lineup just kept hammering — heart of the order left the yard more than once and that was the ballgame.
03
hot take
Rays are 36-21 and still lost to a last-place team at home. Cash went to the pen way too early, you can't burn arms in the fifth on a getaway day.
04
deep cut
Tigers are 23-38 and they're still scratching out wins like this on the road. That clubhouse hasn't quit, which says something.
05
exit
Anyway — Rays better figure out the bullpen before the weekend, they've got a real series coming up.
The recap
Tigers stole one in the Trop, edging the Rays 10-9 in a slugfest that had no business being that close given Detroit's record. Tampa coughed up runs in bunches, and you have to wonder if the manager went to the pen too early because the bullpen just couldn't slam the door.
Detroit's bats carried it, with the heart of the order doing damage all night to keep pace every time the Rays answered. Brutal loss for a Tampa club that's been cruising — and a much-needed get-well game for a Tigers lineup that's been searching for it.